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Dave Gordon jumps to early lead in Black Diamond primary

Dave Gordon jumped out to an early lead in the Black Diamond mayor’s race primary on Tuesday.

Early returns on Tuesday night showed Gordon with 567 votes, or almost 66 percent.

Incumbent Rebecca Olness was in second with 157 votes, or 18 percent, closely followed by Keith Watson with 135 votes, or 15 percent.

According to the King County Elections website, 894 ballots were returned from Black Diamond as of Tuesday night.

Gordon has lived most of his life in Kent and moved to Black Diamond seven years ago. He holds a bachelor of science degree from ITT Seattle and works for Boeing.

Gordon told the Reporter in June that he doesn’t think proper analysis was done of the proposed Master Plan Developments of YarrowBay which call for residential and commercial growth in Black Diamond.

The top three priorities Gordon said he would focus on are public safety, the city budget, and the processes of managing the MPDs.

Olness has lived on Lake Sawyer for nearly 40 years and was elected to City Countcil in 2005. Currently she is serving her first term as mayor. Last November voters rejected a change of government election that would have removed Olness from her post.

Olness earned a masters degree in education from the University of Washington and worked as an educator in the Kent School District.

Olness’ top priorities include public safety, management of the MPDs, and providing services for residents during tight financial times.

Keith Watson has lived in Black Diamond the majority of his life and is currently serving the city as the chair of the Planning Commission. In addition, Watson is president of the Black Diamond Historical Society and the Black Diamond Community Center.

Watson told the Reporter in June that his top priorities would be community unity, city finances, and leadership of the MPDs.

The top two vote-getters will move on to the Nov. 5 general election. King County will certify Tuesday’s election results Aug. 20.

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